Monday, May 23, 2011

We're learning about the life cycle of butterflies this month and our art activity that we did a fun symmetry activity. You just fold a piece of paper in half, put spoonfuls of different colors in the middle, fold the paper back over, and push the paint out with your hands until there's no more paint to move. This is a messy activity so be sure to cover your tables or paint will be everywhere!! Once you have the paint spread out, unfold the paper and let them dry. Then just cut them out as they are. They make really creative butterflies. I then just used black paper to make the center part.

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Teaching about the life cycle of a butterfly.

This is a big part of our curriculum this month. We have 30 butterflies in our classroom (all of which are in their chrysalis right now--we're waiting for them to come out!) and we have been watching the whole process. We got them as small caterpillars and have watched them eat and grow, and create their chrysalis! It has been so awesome for my kids! One of the other activities I have for this one is my Butterfly Life Cycle Worksheet. I got this idea from one of the first grade teachers at my school and then I created my own worksheet. You can have your kids draw each part of the life cycle or you can use different types of pasta (which is what we are doing). There are pastas that look like eggs, caterpillars, chrysalis, and butterflies. If you're not sure where to find them email me and I'll send you pictures.

It's done--my Letter Ee Unit is out! I actually found the time tonight to finish it! The first three people to email me at theartofteachingut@gmail.com with the heading LETTER E will receive a free unit. It also includes my Magic E: Teaching Silent E Unit. So it's two for the price of one. You can also purchase the unit at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Unit-Letter-Ee-and-Magic-E.

Monday, May 9, 2011

I am teaching the letters Cc and Kk together next year. The reason I am doing this is because their main sound is the same. This way I can talk to my kids about that and use these materials to help reinforce it. I will also be giving away three free letter Cc and Kk units. Just email me at theartofteachingut@gmail.com with the heading: LETTERS CC AND KK. Good luck!

We had so much fun doing this unit! Part of our goals was to discuss what a plant is and then making different types of plants. We also tried to do Acrostic Tree Poems which were really difficult for the kids but they did a great job!